Leg irons are chains locked to the ankles to prevent running while permitting walking. The hyphen in leg-irons is optional. Other names for leg irons are leg cuffs, shackles, ankle irons. "Leg cuff" is a new invention with its basis in "handcuff", though a more accurate analogy would call leg irons "footcuffs". "Shackle" is also a general term that applies to many U-shaped pieces of metal that have a pin or bolt across the opening.

Since the prisoner had run from policemen before, they restrained him in leg-irons as well as cuffing his hands behind his back.

Defendants may not appear in court in leg-irons where juries can see them unless the presiding judge finds it necessary.

In preparing a detainee for the humane restraint chair, the person will be in handcuffs and leg-irons when appropriate.